S. 1269 — Promoting United States Leadership in Standards Act of 2025

This section defines two terms for purposes of the Act: (1) "artificial intelligence and other critical and emerging technologies" as a subset of such technologies from the list identified and maintained by the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), as selected by the Director; and (2) "Director" as the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

This section directs the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), in coordination with the Secretary of State, to provide Congress with a briefing not later than one year after enactment on standards activities for artificial intelligence and other critical and emerging technologies. The briefing must include (1) an overview of key standards, standards bodies, and participating federal agencies; (2) an analysis of opportunities enhanced by hosting standards meetings in the United States; and (3) recommendations to increase participation by U.S. industry and federal agencies, supported by a reporting mechanism for agency participation developed with the Office of Management and Budget. This section further directs NIST, in coordination with the Secretary of State, to establish a web portal listing international standards efforts for such technologies, participation opportunities, and access to standards in development or published, with authority to enter cooperative agreements with nongovernmental organizations for its administration.

This section establishes a five-year pilot program, to terminate five years after enactment of this Act, under which the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), in coordination with the Secretary of State, awards grants to eligible entities—standards development organizations for artificial intelligence (AI) and other critical and emerging technologies affecting federal interests, or their hosts—to support hosting related meetings in the United States. Grants cover up to 50% of anticipated hosting costs, not to exceed a maximum amount set by the Director, for expenses such as planning, venue, and other support; awards consider U.S. participant involvement, hosting history, and participant base growth. The Director must issue guidance on program elements (e.g., eligibility, merit review); provide annual briefings to Congress starting in year three on program effectiveness, recipients, attendees, and expenses; and, if feasible, submit recommendations by two years after enactment for permanent implementation. Authorizes $5 million for FY2024 through 2028.